R744 could save 99% of direct MAC emissions

Efficient Mobile Air Conditioning could lead to a 13% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions under the voluntary 2010 target of Canada?s carmakers, according to a study by the University of California.

Alternative refrigerants, low leaking components and improved Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) system efficiency will reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe exhaust emissions from Canadian cars in a significant way. This is the conclusion drawn by the Institute of Transportation, University of California, earlier this year.

In its research report ?Impact of Canada?s Voluntary Agreement on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Light Duty Vehicles?, the author presents the following findings:

Switching new cars from the current refrigerant HFC-134a to R744 (CO₂) could save up to 9 grams of CO₂ equivalent per mile ? a reduction of 99% of direct MAC emissions.

Introducing high-efficiency MAC systems with low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions between 2007 and 2009 will save Canada 0.71 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalents in 2010.

Phasing in MAC systems that comply with strict European and Californian standards* could lead to a 13.4% contribution to the 2010 target voluntarily set by the Canadian automobile industry. This will be achieved by reducing the accessory load on the engine while driving and therefore by cutting down on fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Background

On April 5, 2005, the Canadian automobile industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Canada to reduce GHG emissions from vehicles by 5.3 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2010, based on a reference case of 90.51 million tonnes. By 2007, Canada?s new car fleet will have to achieve an interim goal of 2.4 million tonnes.